NE NEWS SERVICE
PUDUCHERRY, JAN 14
The harvest festival of Pongal was celebrated without the usual fanfare in Puducherry on Thursday. Although people thronged temples to offer special prayers at the presiding and processional deities there was strict adherence to the safety norms.
Devotees entering the places of worship were subjected to evaluation of body temperature and also wearing of masks.
Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, Ministers and leaders of various political parties extended greetings to the people and stressed the need for observing the safety protocols.
The festival was a low key affair in the union territory and turn out of number of near and dear ones was less than the usual number, said a section of residents.
